Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that his continued tenure at Tottenham Hotspur hinges on a unified vision with the club's hierarchy rather than the division in which the team ultimately competes. In his inaugural interview as a permanent manager, following the signing of a five‑year deal, the Italian tactician asserted that he intends to remain "the coach of Tottenham next season no matter what," emphasizing that the league status is secondary to the relationship with the board and shared project goals.
The statement came after De Zerbi's debut match ended in a 1‑0 defeat to Sunderland, leaving Spurs entrenched in the relegation zone with six fixtures remaining and a two‑point gap from safety. As of early 2026, Tottenham is the only Premier League side yet to secure a victory this season, intensifying scrutiny on the manager's ability to reverse the slump. During an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, De Zerbi reassured supporters that a drop to the Championship would not automatically trigger his exit.
When asked whether he would stay on regardless of the club's fate, he replied, "The problem is not the league. The problem is to keep the relationship with the board and to have the same ideas in the project." He stressed that alignment among all parties—owners, executives, coaching staff, and players—is the decisive factor for his future, not the tier in which Tottenham competes. De Zerbi's philosophy mirrors the approach he applied at previous stops such as Marseille and Brighton, where he insisted on total commitment from both the club and himself. He believes that a manager can only deliver his full tactical and cultural vision when the institution backs him unequivocally.
Consequently, the upcoming summer transfer window will serve as a litmus test for the level of support the board is prepared to provide, whether that means investing heavily to secure promotion or bolstering the squad for a European push. Looking ahead, De Zerbi is confident that if Spurs manage to stay up, they will be contenders for a top‑six finish next season.
He repeatedly highlighted the club's latent potential, but he also acknowledged that the promise hinges on the "big if"—survival in the final six games. The manager's optimism is tempered by the reality that the team has yet to win a league match this calendar year, and the pressure to deliver immediate results is mounting.
The manager's first home fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be against his former club Brighton & Hove Albion. A win could temporarily lift Spurs out of the relegation zone, buying valuable breathing space before the next round of fixtures. To foster unity, De Zerbi took the squad out for dinner, emphasizing his desire to get to know each player personally rather than focusing solely on diagnosing the season's failures.
In his pre‑match press conference, he said, "I have to get to know my players better and better every week. We have no time to lose. We must focus on the next game, not on dissecting the problems that have plagued us so far." He added that his footballing philosophy can be implemented only when a positive atmosphere and strong relationships exist within the dressing room.
"Technical ability matters, but the spirit and the bond between players are equally vital," he explained. De Zerbi also spoke about leadership within the squad, noting that captain James Romero's season‑ending injury has left a void in on‑field authority. He believes several individuals can step into leadership roles, each bringing a different style: vocal leaders in the locker room, leaders who lead by example on the pitch, and those who rise in critical moments.
He singled out Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Palhinha as potential leaders, and expressed a desire to see Dominic Solanke develop both his scoring prowess and his character. He also praised the young Xavi Simons for his composure under pressure, stating that the team needs a blend of personality and character to thrive. Analyst Callum Bishop observed that Tottenham's squad is among the youngest in the league, which amplifies the need for experienced heads to guide the group through adversity.
With Romero sidelined, De Zerbi lacks a seasoned on‑field commander. The return dates for Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison remain uncertain, and even veteran Ben Davies cannot guarantee calm in the high‑pressure environment.
The lack of senior leadership places additional responsibility on emerging talents like Solanke, who previously helped Bournemouth navigate promotion battles. However, De Zerbi's comments suggest that Solanke may still need to develop the requisite mental toughness. The manager also referenced Xavi Simons, acknowledging his technical brilliance but noting his ongoing adaptation challenges to English football.
In the final stretch of the season, Tottenham must produce a decisive performance against Brighton. A victory would not only lift the team out of the drop zone temporarily but also provide a morale boost for the remaining fixtures. De Zerbi's emphasis on collective responsibility, character, and a shared vision with the board underscores his belief that the club can rebound if all stakeholders are aligned. Ultimately, the manager's future at Tottenham will be judged not by the division the club occupies, but by the quality of the partnership with the ownership and the execution of a cohesive project.
Whether that partnership translates into a successful promotion campaign or a solid Premier League finish remains to be seen, but De Zerbi's message is unequivocal: unity and shared ambition are the cornerstones of his tenure at Spurs.